A fleeting few moments with a former vice president now goes for $1,209.

"Meet Al Gore in Copenhagen."

An official announcement from this fair Danish city says all: the former vice president is getting star treatment when he arrives with an entire swarm of green-minded gadflies for the United Nation's week-long global warming extravaganza that begins Dec. 7.

"Have you ever shaken hands with an American vice president? If not, now is your chance. Meet Al Gore in Copenhagen during the UN Climate Change Conference," notes the Danish tourism commission, which is helping Mr. Gore promote "Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis," his newest book about global warming in all its alarming modalities.

"Tickets are available in different price ranges for the event. If you want it all, you can purchase a VIP ticket, where you get a chance to shake hands with Al Gore, get a copy of Our Choice and have your picture taken with him. The VIP event costs DKK 5,999 and includes drinks and a light snack."

How much is that in American dollars? The currency conversion says all too: 5,999 Danish kroners is equivalent to $1,209.

"If you do not want to spend that much money, but still want to hear Al Gore speak about his latest book about climate challenges, you can purchase general tickets, ranging in price from DKK 199 - 1,499 depending on where in the room you want to sit," the practical Danes advise for the Dec. 16 event.

"For the first time, the U.S. delegation will have a U.S. Center at the conference, providing a unique and interactive forum to share our story with the world," the White House press office announced last week.